I don't know if this selection in Internet Archive belongs in the crime or science fiction category; it has elements of both ... perhaps that's why it is considered one of the best dystopian science fiction stories that has been written; it moves along much like a Raymond Chandler crime novel moves … rather quickly. “Gravy Planet” takes place primarily in the “Incorporated United States of America,” the “Cal-Mex” regional sector of America, and in a huge Chlorella Plantation in Costa Rica, where the synthetic food named “Chicken Little” is mass produced. The time frame is around the mid-22nd century; for the story’s initial reading audience, it would have been set approximately two hundred years into the future.
“Gravy Planet” is primarily the story of a conflict between the two rival ad agencies that want to land the advertising contract with the Incorporated United States government concerning the “colonization” of Venus; there are trillions of dollars to be made with a lucrative governmental contract of this magnitude … some things have remained in place since civilization began. However, the conservationists or “connies” have other ideas … they are fighting the manufacturer’s quasi-governments throughout the world as they desire to return to “the good ole days,” even if it requires leaving their home planet and starting new lives on Venus to accomplish their objective. Regarding the story’s title, the word “gravy” has several slang meanings. This story is a product of the times of which it was written; in this reference, “gravy” means, a positive occurrence, typically beyond one's hopes or expectations; a bonus. Earth is "old and worn out" … Venus is "young and undeveloped" … thus to these exploited earthlings, Venus is the Gravy Planet … representing a positive occurrence, typically beyond one's hopes or expectations. This is a classic science fiction story; some critics claim “Gravy Planet” is probably the second best sci-fi story written after “The War of the Worlds.” I tend to agree … it’s pretty good. It contains all the elements of the traditional sci-fi story with rocket ships as the primary example, and futuristic entities such as moving sidewalks in the future versions of our cities. “Gravy Planet” also contains a few elements of satire … the foot-pedaled taxis are Cadillac’s;  America’s iconic automobile has remained “The Standard of the World” into the 22nd century. It has the dystopian element thrown in for good measure, and “Gravy Planet” contains the elements of a good crime novel, which as I stated in the opening paragraph, helps to move the story along at a fast pace. Although this story can’t make up its mind if it is a science fiction or a crime story, it has elements of both genera’s, which makes it quite interesting reading.
“Gravy Planet” was initially serialized in the science fiction magazine, "Galaxy" in 1952 and was edited for book publication by Ballantine Books and retitled “The Space Merchant” in 1954. The publishers decided to cut the last two chapters from the serialized version, which in my opinion eliminated an excellent ending to this story. “Gravy Planet” is a better choice for a title to this unique dystopian sci-fi story than “The Space Merchants.” The title of a story is obligated to explain the basis of that story in two or three words … “Gravy Planet” fulfills that obligation.
So, I’ll give “Gravy Planet” five stars because many of the detrimental environmental issues and their related political consequences present on our home planet today, were part of this storyline; a storyline that was composed by two excellent science fiction writers seventy one years ago.
For the characters in “Gravy Planet,” those issues occurred in the mid-22nd century … for us, they are here now … 130 years too soon. *****